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We are jumping in the family truckster and headed to Folly Beach for a family vacation in September. My wife and I planned it to coincide with the Mizzou-South Carolina game this year and I am so excited to get to see your campus and stadium. When we first joined the SEC, this was number one on my list. I have always been impressed with your team so I'm excited to finally get to visit.

In fact, there are a lot of Mizzou fans that feel the same way I do. There was an immediate respect and connection about the Gamecocks for some reason, I can't explain it. But if there's another team I root for in the SEC, it's you guys. Again, not exactly sure why but I just like your fans, your team, and especially your coach.

So, I just wanted to jump on here and get a few pointers for that weekend. I will have my wife and four young kids with me (11, 9, 5 and 5) so we can't get too crazy. But I would like to drive up on Friday and tour the campus and hit some good local spots to eat. Suggestions? I'm sure Saturday will be a madhouse so that's why I thought it would be good to see your Columbia on Friday instead.

On Saturday, where do we park and how can I see those cool rail cars?!?!?!

Also, unrelated to the game, but this is our first east coast trip and we've heard nothing but great things about Folly Beach. How will the weather be in late September?

Thanks, and good luck this season!

We're excited to have you…But lets get real, Columbia, South Carolina is the original Columbia….

Beezer's has fresh homemade bread and fresh cut meats in their subs... not to mention the best pickles I have ever eaten.

Tako Sushi has the freshest Sushi around,,, also an awesome Sake list... and as I said, the tempura asparagus with the spicy dipping sauce is to die for! And it has a cool Gamecock/college vibe on the weekends... especially during football season.

Homemade? If pulling it out the freezer means making it, then sure. My wife make homemade stuff, I know because I can see it. Don't trust what a menu says.

Yeah... what was I thinking... Beezer's subs do suck! Once again I have been shown the err of my ways... thanks guys! But that's damn good pickle though!!! If I were coming in from out of town... I'd search out the best damn pickle joint in Columbia and go get it... know where I'd go??? Beezer's!

Pure honesty here, spend your 8 days in Charleston or on the coast. I've lived in Columbia my whole life. There is nothing for you and a young family in Columbia (except the zoo..blah). They will have a blast in Myrtle, Charleston, Hilton Head, or Edisto. There's just not much going on for 8 days in Columbia. It might be good for a day trip for a football game (the same goes for Clemson SC...but at least Columbia is 1.5 hours from the coast).

Blasphemy, the zoo is awesome. If you wanna spice it up, grab a flask.

Beezer's has fresh homemade bread and fresh cut meats in their subs... not to mention the best pickles I have ever eaten.

Tako Sushi has the freshest Sushi around,,, also an awesome Sake list... and as I said, the tempura asparagus with the spicy dipping sauce is to die for! And it has a cool Gamecock/college vibe on the weekends... especially during football season.

Takosushi is NOT good sushi; M Vista, M Grille, Camon and Saki Tumi are much better for sushi.

That is a solid list, though I'd put Mai Thai in there, and (you will wait for them to cook the food) behind it.

Funny, the most "iconic" place in Columbia is in west Columbia, under the giant cone. I would tell someone from out of town to eat there for sure. At that specific zestos. No one has mentioned rosewood diary bar. I've heard great things about the kraken, but haven't been yet. I'm going to look over the guys list that gives respect to golden chip stixx, cause that place is good. I like that everyone hasn't said blue marlin, but I disagree with so much love for pawleys.

Not knocking Columbia, or the south - because I already said how much I loved the food there in general!!! but I got to say maybe it's because I am a New York, now Baltimore girl, but I never found one good place for pizza, wings or sub sandwiches in all of my time in Columbia... pizza especially.

There are great places to eat though and a lot of good suggestions here. Hunter Gatherer might be my all-time favorite place for dinner and drinks anywhere I've been to. I just didn't suggest it earlier because the OP has kids, Idk maybe it would be okay with kids if you got there early.

Weather in Folly (Charleston) in late September will still be hot. Summer temps. High 80's, low 90's, so assume summertime weather. The beach is great you'll love it. If you get time, there is a place called the Crab House on Folly Beach, across the street from the lawyers officer with the giant shark head on it (Seriously, you'll see it, cant drive into Folly without passing it). GO EAT THERE, its so good.